Hacks On Tap
When David Axelrod and Mike Murphy get together to talk politics, it’s not academic. They speak from the perspective gained through hundreds of campaigns for offices from City Hall to the White House. So if you want to know what’s really going on behind the scenes, where strategic decisions are being made, pull up a stool for Hacks on Tap. Incisive, sometimes uproarious and always entertaining, these political warhorses and their guests will give you insights you’ll only get from folks who have spent a lifetime in the political trenches of both parties.
Latest episodes
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h
Eyes on Iowa (with Adam Nagourney)
Political reporter Adam Nagourney joins the Hacks to discuss the upcoming Iowa caucus and the battle between Haley and DeSantis. They also delve into the challenges faced by Biden, the difficulty of conveying economic confidence, and the process of writing a book about The New York Times. The episode concludes with a discussion on encouraging participation in the Iowa caucuses and the challenges, contrasts, and messaging in the Biden campaign.
Nov 21, 2023 • 37min
Hacksgiving
Axe and Murphy have a special Hacksgiving message for you!
Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Circus Show (with Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann)
This week the Circus comes to town, literally, as the guys are joined by Mark McKinnon and John Heilemann, who created Showtime’s beloved show “The Circus.” The Hacks clown around while juggling a variety of topics, ranging from Biden’s acrobatics around recent poll numbers, Joe Manchin’s disappearing act, the elephants walking on a tight rope (and dropping off it), and Trump’s hare pulling. Tune in for even more puns, and even better analysis!
Nov 9, 2023 • 49min
Ship Show
The hosts discuss the winners, the losers, and the battle for second in the Iowa caucus. They analyze the recent debate and evaluate the candidates' performances. Discussions include controversial remarks about a Ukrainian leader, Tim Scott's lack of impact, recent electoral successes and losses, and public perceptions of Biden and Trump as presidents.
Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 3min
Chaos, Vendettas & Drama (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, senior reporter at POLITICO and co-author of 'This Will Not Pass: Trump, Biden, and the Battle for America’s Future', joins the hosts to discuss the Iowa poll, Trump's power in the GOP, the new Speaker of the House, Pence's French vanilla problem, Israel and Palestine, the UAW strike, GPT speeches, and more!
Oct 24, 2023 • 60min
Congressional Clown Show (with Scott Jennings)
This week, the Hacks are joined by Scott Jennings, GOP strategist, conservative columnist, and CNN commentator. They discuss the ongoing search for a new Speaker of the House, the challenges of building relationships across factions, the impact of a border security package on Republican voters, differing views on international involvement, and shifting perspectives and loyalties among Republicans and Democrats.
Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 4min
Riding Indictments (with John Harwood)
This week Axe and Murphy were joined by the great John Harwood! Fresh off his ProPublica interview with President Biden, Harwood joined the Hacks in discussing Trump’s ongoing legal drama, the future of the GOP, the politics of old men yelling at clouds, the essential role of the Speaker and the battle for it, Biden’s trip to Israel, FEC reports, unleashing dogs, and dancing on termites!
Oct 10, 2023 • 55min
A Loser’s Lament (with Amy Walter)
Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, joins the Hacks to discuss the Israel-Hamas war, Nikki Haley's rising status, FEC reports, Biden's economic numbers, Ukraine funding, the battle for the Speakership, independent candidate chaos, and more. Stay tuned to hear Murphy's jingle for Biden.
Oct 3, 2023 • 1h 1min
The Fight Within The Fight (with Jonathan Martin)
Jonathan Martin, writer for POLITICO and Harvard instructor, joins the hosts to discuss McCarthy's battle with Gaetz, the nearly averted shutdown, the aftermath of the second GOP debate, and California Senate. They dive into skullduggery, vendettas, psychic nutritionist political advisors, and more!
Sep 28, 2023 • 50min
Post Debate Hacknalysis
The hosts react to the recent debate, discuss Trump's absence and the ensuing drama, analyze Biden's tactics in Michigan, and speculate on upcoming debates and candidates' performances. They also explore the limitations of national polling in general election races and express surprise at the absence of questions about Trump during the debate.
